City of Gatlinburg

??? Happy New Year from the City of Gatlinburg! ??? We had a blast ringing in 2025 last night. As we look back on an incredible 2024, we are excited to look forward ahead to the new year. Thank you to our residents, businesses, and visitors for making Gatlinburg such a special place to live, work, and visit. Here's to a safe, prosperous, and joyful year for everyone! ?? Cheers to 2025! ??

Gatlinburg Human Resources Director Michele Diebold was recently honored by the Tennessee Public Risk Management Association (TN PRIMA) at its annual conference. Diebold, who has been with the City of Gatlinburg since 2014, received the Tennessee PRIMA President’s Award. TN PRIMA President Jennifer Hood chose Diebold to receive the award for her commitment and dedication to the organization, as well as her exceptional contributions to the profession and the TN PRIMA organization.

Gatlinburg Golf Course General Manager Matt Poff was recently honored by the Tennessee Section of the Professional Golf Association (PGA). Poff, who has been with the Gatlinburg Golf Course since August 2014 and named as the General Manager in January 2021, was honored by the Tennessee Section of the PGA as its Merchandiser of the Year for Public Facilities.

Effective Sunday, December 15, the Gatlinburg Trolley System is announcing an extension of its Winter operating hours to serve the citizens, visitors, and businesses of the City. All Trolley routes, with the exception of the Yellow Route, will serve riders from 10:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. https://lnkd.in/eAp9Esv8

The City of Gatlinburg is excited to announce the appointment of Kelly Janis as its new Building Director. With over 14 years of experience in local government building services, planning, and community development, Janis brings an extensive background in project management, code compliance, and organizational leadership to her new role.

Yesterday, the City of Gatlinburg delivered water and other goods - all donated by your generosity - to our neighbors in Cocke County. While plenty of donations have been made, the need is still great for water, hygiene products, and other supplies. The Gatlinburg Fire Department will remain a drop off site for these donations and we will continue to coordinate deliveries to our neighbors. Please drop off any donations at Fire Station No. 1, located at 1230 East Parkway, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. each day. Cocke County and its wonderful people were blessings to us in the aftermath of the 2016 Wildfires and we are honored to be a blessing to them in their time of need.

The City of Gatlinburg is asking for help from our community for our neighbors in Cocke County, who are in great need after devastating flooding events on Friday. The City is accepting donations at the Gatlinburg Fire Department until noon on Monday, September 30, and will deliver these items to the Cocke County Disaster Relief Distribution Center on Monday afternoon. Current products accepted for donations include: ? Bottled Water ? Jugs of Water ? Disposable Paper Products (Paper Plates and Paper Towels) ? Disposable Plastic Products (Plastic spoons, forks, and knives) Donations may be brought to Gatlinburg Fire Department Station No. 1, which is located at 1230 East Parkway in Gatlinburg. Thank you for your help during this time of need for our neighbors.

The Gatlinburg Fire Department will be replacing existing vehicles in its fleet with a pair of new ambulances, which will soon be placed into service. Along with these new vehicles, the Department is introducing a new color scheme for all its ambulances, which will match the color scheme of its fire apparatuses. The new color scheme will enhance the uniformity of the fleet that serves residents, visitors of Gatlinburg, in addition to the Department’s response areas in Sevier County and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As one of only nine municipalities in Tennessee to provide ambulance services, the Gatlinburg Fire Department has transitioned to a striking red and black color scheme, replacing the previous white, blue, and orange design. This change aims to create a cohesive visual identity across the Department’s emergency vehicles. In addition to the new color scheme, these vehicles come equipped with a number of upgrades that will better serve the community.

The Gatlinburg Police Department is announcing 19-year veteran Justin Brown as Assistant Chief of the Gatlinburg Police Department, effective immediately. With over 19 years of law enforcement service with the Gatlinburg Police Department, Brown’s career reflects his commitment to serving both the Department and the City’s citizens, visitors, and businesses. Since joining the Department in 2005, he has held several critical positions, including overseeing department property and physical evidence, managing police equipment, and having 13 years of experience as a Patrol Officer and Lieutenant. “Justin Brown has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication throughout his career with the Gatlinburg Police Department,” said Gatlinburg Police Chief Ronnie Barrett. “His experience, knowledge, and commitment to Gatlinburg will serve him well in his role as Assistant Chief. I have no doubt that he will continue to uphold the high standards of the Department while leading us into the future.”

After 46 years of dedicated service to the Gatlinburg Police Department, Assistant Chief Gary Waldroup retired on Friday afternoon, September 13. Gary began his law enforcement career with the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office in September 1977 and joined the Gatlinburg Police Department in November 1977. Gary served as a Patrol Officer for four years and was promoted to Sergeant on April 1, 1983 and promoted to Captain on October 1, 1986. During his time as a Captain, Gary completed an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Walters State Community College and graduated from the FBIs National Academy. After 27 years with the Department, he was promoted to Assistant Chief under former Chief Randy Brackins in 2004. As Assistant Police Chief, Gary has served the citizens, businesses, and visitors of Gatlinburg for nearly 20 years, acting as a mentor and friend to numerous officers of the Police Department. He has also been committed to significant improvements within the Police Department, including enhancing training programs, modernizing the Department’s equipment and facilities, and maintaining an unwavering commitment to protecting and serving Gatlinburg. Please join us in thanking Assistant Chief Waldroup for his dedicated service to the Gatlinburg Police Department and wish him well in his retirement!